System, method and apparatus for removal of volatile anesthetics for malignant hyperthermia

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, and apparatus for removing volatile anesthetics from an anesthesia or ventilation system to minimize the effects of malignant hyperthermia in susceptible patients. According to one aspect of the present invention, a system for removing volatile anesthetics is provided. A first filter component placed in fluid communication with an inspiratory limb of an anesthesia or ventilation system such that volatile anesthetics will pass through the first filter component during operation of the anesthesia or ventilation system. A second filter component is operably coupled to the expiration port of the anesthesia or ventilation system such that gases passing through the expiratory limb of the anesthesia or ventilation system pass through the second filter component. The first filter component and second filter component are adapted to effectively remove volatile anesthetics passing through the respective filters.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to systems, methods and apparatus for theremoval of volatile anesthetics from an anesthesia or ventilationsystem. In more particular, the present invention relates to a two-partor dual filter apparatus for removal of volatile anesthetics, the filterapparatus being adapted to be utilized with an anesthetic or ventilationsystem to facilitate the removal of inhaled or volatile anesthetics fromthe system intra-operatively or before the beginning of an anestheticprocedure to prevent or remedy a malignant hyperthermic response withina patient.

2. Relevant Technology

Malignant hyperthermia is a biochemical chain reaction response whichcan be triggered by commonly utilized inhaled anesthetics and theparalyzing agent succinylcholine within the skeletal muscles ofsusceptible individuals. The general signs of a malignant hyperthermiacrisis include tachycardia, a greatly increased body metabolism, musclerigidity and/or fever that may exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Severecomplications of malignant hyperthermia include, cardiac arrest, braindamage, internal bleeding or failure of other body systems. As a result,a secondary cardiovascular collapse resulting in the patient's death canoccur if the patient's malignant hyperthermic reaction is not quicklyidentified and remedied by the practitioner.

Malignant hyperthermia susceptible persons have a mutation that resultsin the presence of abnormal proteins in the muscle cells of their body.Although normal in everyday life, when these patients are exposed tocertain inhaled volatile anesthetic agents, it causes an abnormalrelease of calcium inside the muscle cell, which results in a sustainedmuscle contraction and the abnormal increase in energy utilization andheat production. The muscle cells eventually run out of energy, and diereleasing large amounts of potassium into the bloodstream, which canlead to heart rhythm abnormalities. The muscle pigment myoglobin is alsoreleased which may be toxic to the patient's kidneys. Left untreated,these changes can cause cardiac arrest, kidney failure, bloodcoagulation problems, internal hemorrhage, brain injury, liver failure,and may be fatal.

The exact incidence of malignant hyperthermia is unknown. Some of thecurrent medical literature estimates the rate of occurrence to be asfrequent as one in 5,000 or as rare as one in 65,000 administrations ofgeneral anesthesia with triggering agents. The incidence variesdepending on the concentration of malignant hyperthermia susceptiblefamilies in a given geographic area.

When a patient unexpectedly experiences a malignant hyperthermiareaction, after the patient is anesthetized and the surgery has begun,different protocols are utilized to treat the patient. In this case, itis necessary to turn off the anesthetic vaporizer, increase the freshgas flow to flush the vapor for the breathing circuit and increasepatient ventilation. The actions of turning off the anesthesia vaporizerand increasing fresh gas flow decrease the amount of vapor that isre-circulated to the patient, but they do not eliminate it. During thefirst minutes after the anesthesia vaporizer has been turned off, thepatient continues to exhale a significant volume of anesthetic vapor.Due to the closed loop configuration of many anesthesia deliverymachines, some of this previously exhaled vapor is inevitablyre-inhaled.

The other situation in which malignant hyperthermia will be addressed bya practitioner is in the preparation of an anesthesia machine for use ina patient that is known, or suspected, to be susceptible to malignanthyperthermia. In this situation, the exigencies of the medical procedurecan necessitate the use all of the capabilities of the anesthesiamachine including ventilation, monitoring, oxygen delivery, etc. withthe notable exception that delivery of volatile anesthetic vapor willnot be utilized. When an anesthesia machine is to be utilized with apatient that is susceptible to malignant hyperthermia, residualanesthetic vapor must be thoroughly scrubbed from the machine until theresidual vapor concentration in the gas delivered by the machine to thepatient is below the suggested limit of 5 parts per million. Becausesome of the parts in newer anesthesia machines are made of plasticmaterials that tend to retain anesthetic gases, clearing the anestheticgases completely from the machine can take hours. In fact, manyhospitals have protocols that require the machine to be flushed formultiple hours before use in these patients, or require that a “clean”machine that has been in storage be used in malignant hyperthermiasusceptible patents. As will be appreciated, not only is the use of suchprotocols time consuming, but the anesthesia machine is unable to beutilized in other anesthesia procedures during this time, resulting inincreased costs and inefficiency in use of the hospitals capitalequipment.

It has been shown that placing a charcoal filter on the inspired limb ofthe anesthesia machine effectively removes the residual anesthetic sothat the machine can be used immediately. However, there is a risk thatthe filter be placed incorrectly on the expired limb of the anesthesiacircuit. Additionally, the use of a single thick filter needed to adsorbinhaled anesthetics can result in undesirable increase in back pressurelimiting the ease of gas delivery to the patient. Finally, placement ofa single filter on the inspired limb does not address the reintroductionof inhaled anesthetics back to the system from patients who have alreadybeen administered such anesthetics. Furthermore, using only a singlefilter does not preclude the accidental placement of the filter on theincorrect limb of the anesthesia or ventilator system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system and apparatus for the removal ofanesthesia from an anesthesia or ventilation system according to oneaspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dual filter assembly for use with theanesthesia or ventilation system of FIG. 1 according to one aspect ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 3A-3D are schematic views of a dual filter assembly illustratingoperation of a dual filter assembly with an expiratory and inspiratorylimb of an anesthesia or ventilation system according to one aspect ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a breathing circuit having a dual filterassembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a two-part filter apparatus for usein the removal of volatile anesthetics from an anesthesia or ventilationsystem according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate the use of a two-part filter apparatus with aninspiratory limb and an expiratory limb of an anesthesia or ventilationsystem according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a breathing circuit having a two-partfilter apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method of utilizing an anesthesiaremoval system or apparatus during the course of an anesthesiaadministration procedure.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method for utilizing an anesthesiaremoval system and apparatus pre-operatively or post-operatively tominimize the effects of volatile anesthetic in an anesthesia orventilation system according to one aspect of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems, methods, and apparatus forremoving volatile anesthetics from an anesthesia or ventilation systemto minimize the effects of malignant hyperthermia in susceptiblepatients. According to one aspect of the present invention, a system forremoving volatile anesthetics is provided. In the embodiment, a firstfilter component is placed in fluid communication with an inspiratorylimb of an anesthesia or ventilation system such that volatileanesthetics will pass through the first filter component duringoperation of the anesthesia or ventilation system. A second filtercomponent is operably coupled to the expiration port of the anesthesiaor ventilation system such that gases passing through the expiratorylimb of the anesthesia or ventilation system pass through the secondfilter component. The first filter component and second filter componentare adapted to adsorb and effectively remove volatile anestheticspassing through the respective filters.

The use of the first and second filter component results in removal ofvolatile anesthetics flowing through the anesthesia or ventilationsystem. In more particular, the configuration of the filter apparatusallows removal of volatile anesthetics from both the inspiratory andexpiratory limbs of the anesthesia or ventilation system. In theintra-operative application, not only is the rate of removal of volatileanesthetic from the system increased, but a patient is only required tobreathe through one of the filters. As a result, overall resistance tobreathing experienced by the patient is substantially decreased. Inother words, as a user exhales, the amount of exhaled breath from thepatient is required to pass through only a single filter. As the patientinhales, the patient's breath similarly only passes through a singlefilter. As a result, resistance to breathing experienced by the patientand the requirements to overcome the resistance provided by the filterare substantially decreased. Additionally, the rate of removal ofanesthetic is increased over that which would be provided by the use ofa single filter.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus forremoving volatile anesthetics from a patient is provided. According toone illustrative aspect of the present invention, the apparatus forremoving volatile anesthetics from an anesthesia or ventilation systemcomprises a first filter component and a second filter componentoperatively connected to the first filter component. In the embodiment,the first filter component is operatively connected to the inspirationlimb of the anesthesia or ventilation system. Additionally, a secondfilter component is operatively coupled to the expiration limb of theanesthesia or ventilation system. By providing a dual filter assembly inconnection with the apparatus for removing volatile anesthetics from theventilation system, volatile anesthetics can be removed from the system,both during inspiration and expiration during the course of a procedure.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the dualfilter assembly comprises a first filter and a second filter which areconnected by a strap, arm, housing component or other member such thatboth the first filter component and the second filter component arereadily accessible when removal of the volatile anesthetic is requiredin connection with an anesthesia or ventilation system. According toanother embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus for removingvolatile anesthetics comprises a two-part filter apparatus in which botha first filter component and second filter component are provided withina single housing. According to one aspect of the present invention, theinlet ports of the filter components comprise a female connector and theoutlet components comprise a male connector such that accidental orinadvertent mistakes in connecting the filter apparatus to theanesthesia or ventilation system are minimized. In another embodiment,filters are attached to the inspiratory and expiratory hoses of thebreathing circuit such that when the breathing circuit is replaced, thecharcoal filters are correctly installed on the anesthesia machine.

Additional aspects and advantages will be apparent from the followingdetailed description of preferred embodiments, which proceeds withreference to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to systems, methods, and apparatus forremoving volatile anesthetics from an anesthesia or ventilation systemto minimize the effects of malignant hyperthermia in susceptiblepatients. According to one aspect of the present invention, a system forremoving volatile anesthetics is provided. In the embodiment, a firstfilter component is placed in fluid communication with an inspiratorylimb of an anesthesia or ventilation system such that volatileanesthetics will pass through the first filter component duringoperation of the anesthesia or ventilation system. A second filtercomponent is operably coupled to the expiration port of the anesthesiaor ventilation system such that gases passing through the expiratorylimb of the anesthesia or ventilation system pass through the secondfilter component. The first filter component and second filter componentare adapted to adsorb and effectively remove volatile anestheticspassing through the respective filters. As will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art, inspiratory and expiratory limbs of the systemtypically will comprise hoses of the breathing circuit, but may berepresentative of any portion of the system within the inspiratory andexpiratory pathway including portions of the system within theanesthesia machine. As such, discussion of the inspiratory andexpiratory limbs should not be considered to be limiting in nature, butis provided for the sake of clarity and to provide an explanation of themanner in which a filter assembly or dual filter apparatus can beutilized within the system.

The use of the first and second filter component result in removal ofvolatile anesthetics flowing from the anesthesia or ventilation systemto the patient. In more particular, the configuration of the filterapparatus allow removal of volatile anesthetics from both theinspiratory and expiratory limbs of the anesthesia or ventilationsystem. In the intra-operative application, not only is the rate ofremoval of volatile anesthetic from the circle breathing systemincreased, but a patient is only required to breathe through one of thefilters during each phase of respiration. As a result, overallresistance to breathing experienced by the patient is substantiallydecreased. In other words, as a user exhales, the amount of exhaledbreath from the patient is required to pass through only a singlefilter. As the patient inhales, the patient's breath similarly onlypasses through a single filter. As a result, resistance to breathingexperienced by the patient and the requirements to overcome theresistance provided by the filter are substantially decreased. The rateof removal of anesthetic is increased over that which would be providedby the use of a single filter. Additionally, the patient is protectedfrom inhaling potentially toxic anesthetic vapors even if the one-wayvalves in the anesthesia machine fail.

FIG. 1 is a component view of an anesthesia/ventilation system 10according to one aspect of the present invention. In the illustratedembodiment, anesthesia/ventilation system 10 is utilized to provide anamount of gas to a patient or to otherwise facilitate ventilation of apatient. Anesthesia/ventilation system 10 can be utilized to introduceanesthesia to a patient during the course of a procedure. Anestheticsutilized with anesthesia/ventilation system 10 will typically includevolatile anesthetic which can be inhaled by the patient during thecourse of an operation. Additionally, anesthesia/ventilation system 10can be utilized to facilitate patient ventilation to maintain desiredpatient respiration in response to the effects of volatile anestheticsor when the patient is otherwise experiencing difficulty breathing.

In the illustrated embodiment, anesthesia/ventilation system 10comprises a mask 12, an inspiratory limb 16, and an expiratory limb 18.Mask 12 is adapted to be positioned over the nose and mouth of thepatient to facilitate the delivery of gases to be delivered to thepatient. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, mask 12 isprovided for illustrative purposes. Anesthesia/ventilation system 10 caninclude other patient delivery mechanisms such as an endotracheal tube,laryngeal mask airway or other respiratory patient interface mechanism.

Inspiratory limb 16 is operatively connected to mask 12 such that as thepatient inhales, gases are delivered to the patient. In the absence offilters 24 and 28, such gases are configured to provide desiredproperties or compositions, such as air, oxygen, and/or inhaledanesthetics. Expiratory limb 18 is also positioned in fluidcommunication with mask 12. Expiratory limb 18 allows gases that arebeing exhaled from the patient to be transmitted away from the patient.Once the gases are transmitted from the patient, they can then either beexpelled to the external environment, or returned to theanesthesia/ventilation system 10 for recirculation.

In the illustrated embodiment, a dual filter assembly 20 is illustrated.Dual filter assembly 20 comprises an anesthesia removal apparatus in theillustrated embodiment. Dual filter assembly 20 comprises a first filtercomponent 22 and a second filter component 24. First filter component 22is operatively coupled to inspiratory limb 16. Second filter component24 is operatively coupled to expiratory limb 18. By connecting firstfilter component 22 to inspiratory limb 16 and second filter component24 to expiratory limb 18, any volatile anesthetics that are circulatingwithin the anesthesia/ventilation system 10 are absorbed and effectivelyremoved from the gases that the patient breaths. In this manner, in theevent that a patient experiences malignant hyperthermia symptoms, apractitioner can quickly and easily actuate/install dual filter assembly20 in connection with anesthesia/ventilation system 10. If a patient hasa known or suspected susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia, thepractitioner can install dual filter assembly 20 prior to use of theanesthesia/ventilation system 10 for the patient, minimizing thepotential that toxic residual amounts of volatile anesthetic gas willreach the patient.

In the illustrated embodiment, first filter component 22 comprises ahousing 26, a filter 28, a filter cavity 29, an inlet port 30 and anoutlet port 32. Housing 26 comprises an external framework forsupporting the other components of first filter component 22. Housing 26forms a filter cavity 29 on the interior of first filter component 22.Filter cavity 29 is adapted to accommodate a filter 28. Filter 28 cancomprise any of a variety of known filter mechanisms which can beutilized to remove volatile anesthetics from a patient in a desiredmanner. Filter 28 is provided in fluid communication with inlet port 30and outlet port 32. Inlet port 30 is positioned on the distal portion ofhousing 26. In one embodiment, inlet port 30 is adapted to be coupledwith tubing associated with inspiratory limb 16. In another embodiment,inlet port 30 is adapted to be coupled directly to a nipple of ananesthesia delivery device.

Outlet port 32 is positioned on the proximal portion of housing 26.Outlet port 32 is adapted to be connected to tubing associated withinspiratory limb 16 on the portion of the inspiratory limb 16 positionedproximal to the patient. According to one embodiment of the presentinvention, the configuration of inlet port 30 and outlet port 32 havedifferent shapes or configurations to facilitate the desired assembly offirst filter component 22 with the inspiratory limb 16 and/or componentsof the anesthesia/ventilation system 10. For example, in one embodimentof the present invention, one of inlet port 30 and outlet port 32comprises a male connector. The other of inlet port 30 and outlet port32 comprises a female connector. In this manner, the practitioner canquickly and simply ascertain which of the inlet and outlet ports toconnect to the distal portion of the inspiratory limb and which of theinlet port 30 and outlet port 32 to connect to the proximal portion ofthe inspiratory limb 16. In this manner, correct coupling and operationof first filter component 22 can be maintained even where a practitioneris focused on other aspects of a procedure to be performed.

In the illustrated embodiment, a second filtering component 24 isillustrated. Second filter component 24 comprises a housing 36, a filter38, a filter cavity 39, an inlet port 40 and an outlet port 42. Housing36 comprises an external framework for supporting the other componentsof second filter component 24. Housing 36 forms a filter cavity 39 onthe interior of second filter component 24. Filter cavity 39 is adaptedto accommodate filter 38. Filter 38 can comprise any of a variety ofknown filter mechanisms which can be utilized to remove volatileanesthetics from a patient in a desired manner. Filter 38 is provided influid communication with inlet port 40 and outlet port 42. Inlet port 40is positioned on the distal portion of housing 36. Inlet port 40 isadapted to be coupled with tubing associated with inspiratory limb 16.

Outlet port 42 is positioned on the distal portion of housing 36. In oneembodiment, outlet port 32 is adapted to be connected to tubingassociated with expiratory limb 18 on the portion of the expiratory limb18 positioned distal to the patient. In another embodiment, inlet port40 is adapted to be coupled directly to a nipple of an anesthesiadelivery device. According to one embodiment of the present invention,the configuration of inlet port 40 and outlet port 42 have differentshapes or configurations to facilitate the desired assembly of secondfilter component 24 with the expiratory limb 18. For example, in oneembodiment of the present invention, one of inlet port 40 and outletport 42 comprises a male connector. The other of inlet port 40 andoutlet port 42 comprises a female connector. In this manner, thepractitioner can quickly and simply ascertain which of the inlet andoutlet ports to connect to the distal portion of the expiratory limb 18or other component of anesthesia delivery device and which of the inletport 40 and outlet port 42 to connect to the proximal portion of theexpiratory limb 18. In this manner, correct coupling and operation ofsecond filter component 24 can be maintained even where a practitioneris focused on other aspects of a procedure to be performed.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of typesand configurations of systems and apparatus for removing volatileanesthetics from an anesthesia or ventilation system can be utilizedwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, theanesthesia/ventilation system comprises any mechanism which facilitatesthe ventilation of the patient. According to another embodiment of thepresent invention, the particular components which are utilized inconnection with the ventilation system can vary in terms of being addedto or subtracted from without departing from the scope and spirit of thepresent invention. According to yet another embodiment of the presentinvention, the first filter and second filter components comprise acharcoal filter. According to another embodiment of the presentinvention, the first filter component and the second filter componentcomprise other known filtering apparatus. According to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention, the first filter component andsecond filter component are placed on other components of theanesthesia/ventilation system other than the inspiratory and expiratorylimb.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dual filter assembly 20 according toone embodiment of the present invention. Dual filter assembly 20comprises a first filter component 22 and a second filter component 24.First filter component 22 comprises a housing 26. Second filtercomponent 24 comprises a housing 36. An inlet port 30 and outlet port 32are positioned on opposing sides of housing 26 of first filter component22. An inlet port 40 and outlet port 42 are positioned on opposing sidesof housing 36 of second filter component 24. Additionally, housing 26 offirst filter component 22 includes an annular member 56, while housing36 of second filter component 26 includes an annular member 58.

In the illustrated embodiment, first filter component 22 is secured tosecond filter component 24 by means of a connector 60. Connector 60comprises a strap having a length of at least 2 inches and no longerthan 18 inches. In this manner, first filter component 22 and secondfilter component 24 are maintained in operable coupling to one another,minimizing the risk that a practitioner will fail to secure either firstfilter component 22 or second filter component 24 to ananesthesia/ventilation system 10 during an anesthesia removal procedure.In the illustrated embodiment, connector 60 is secured to the annularmember 56 of first filter component 22 utilizing a securement member 62.Similarly, connector 60 is secured to annular member 58 of second filtercomponent 24 utilizing a securement member 64. As will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations ofsecurement members can be utilized in connection with connector 60.According to one embodiment of the present invention, securement members62 and 64 will provide a mechanical connection such as through the useof a rivet, snap fitting, screw, projection, or other known mechanicalconnectors. For example, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention, a mechanical connection is provided comprising a bonded strapplaced through a loop that is formed, connected to or otherwiseintegrated into the housing of the filters. Alternatively, connector 60can be connected to the housing 26 of first filter component 22 and thehousing 36 of second filter component 24 using adhesives, magneticsecurement or other known securement apparatus.

In the illustrated embodiment, one of inlet port 30 and outlet port 32comprises a male connector, while the other of inlet port 30 and outletport 32 comprises a female connector. Similarly, one of inlet port 40and outlet port 42 comprise a male connector, while the other of inletport 40 and outlet port 42 comprise a female connector. In this manner,inadvertent or accidental mistakes in the coupling of dual filterassembly 20 to an anesthesia/ventilation system 10 are minimized.

FIG. 3A is a close-up schematic view of an anesthesia/ventilation system10 illustrating an inspiratory limb 16 and expiratory limb 18 incombination with dual filter assembly 20. In the illustrated embodiment,second filter component 24 is placed on expiratory limb 18. First filtercomponent 22 is placed on inspiratory limb 16. In this manner, any gasesor vapors that are flowing through expiratory limb 18 pass throughsecond filter component 24. Any gases or vapors that are passing throughinspiratory limb 16 pass through first filter component 22. As a result,any volatile anesthetics passing through expiratory limb 18 are adsorbedby second filter component 24. Any gases or vapors passing throughinspiratory limb 16 are adsorbed by first filter component 22. In theillustrated embodiment, expiratory limb 18 comprises a first portion ofexpiratory limb 70 and a second portion expiratory limb 72. In oneembodiment, first portion of expiratory limb 70 is tubing while secondportion of expiratory limb 72 comprises a nipple, or male connector, ofan anesthesia delivery device.

Second filter component 24 is positioned such that it is interposedbetween first portion of expiratory limb 70 and second portion ofexpiratory limb 72. First portion of expiratory limb 70 is positionedbetween a patient and second filter component 24. Second portion ofexpiratory limb 72 is positioned between the second filter component 24and an anesthesia delivery device or other mechanical component whichfacilitates ventilation in connection with a breathing circuit.

In the illustrated embodiment, inspiratory limb 16 comprises a firstportion of inspiratory limb 76 and a second portion of the inspiratorylimb 78. First filter component 22 is interposed between first portionof inspiratory limb 76 and second portion of inspiratory limb 78. In oneembodiment, second portion of inspiratory limb 78 is tubing while firstportion of expiratory limb 76 comprises a nipple of an anesthesiadelivery device. First portion of inspiratory limb 76 is positionedbetween first filter component 22 and an anesthesia delivery device orother mechanical component which facilitates ventilation in connection abreathing circuit. Second portion of inspiratory limb 78 is positionedbetween first filter component 22 and a patient.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pathway for fluid flow throughexpiratory limb 18 and inspiratory limb 16 is depicted. In theillustrated embodiment, an expired breath is shown after it has beenexpelled from the patient and enters first portion of expiratory limb70. As the breath enters first portion of expiratory limb 70, the bulkof the volatile anesthesia which is being removed from the patient isremoved in the form of an inhaled anesthetic is present in the gaspositioned within expiratory limb 70. Depending on the particularaspects of the procedure being performed, the concentration of inhaledanesthetic within the first portion of expiratory limb 70 can varyanywhere from less than 100 parts per million up to at least 10,000parts per million. For example, when the gas entering into first portionof expiratory limb 70 does not come from a patient, but is rather theresult of circulation of gases through a ventilation system which hasbeen adequately cleaned and scrubbed of volatile anesthetics, the amountof anesthesia entering into first portion of expiratory limb 70 can beas low as less than 100 parts per million. In contrast, in aninter-operative application in which an amount of inhaled anestheticshave been delivered to a patient and subsequently a malignanthyperthermia reaction is diagnosed, the amount of anesthetic enteringfirst portion of expiratory limb 70 can be as high as up to 1 percentvapor or over 10,000 parts per million.

The positioning of second filter component 24 is such that second filtercomponent 24 is positioned between first portion of expiratory limb 70and second portion of expiratory limb 72. Because the exhaled vapor hasnot yet passed through second filter component 24, the amount ofvolatile anesthetic within the gas or vapor positioned within firstportion of expiratory limb 70 is essentially the same concentration asthe vapor when it was exhaled by the patient.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the anesthesia/ventilation system ofFIG. 3A. In the illustrated embodiment, the exhaled gases have passedfrom first portion of expiratory limb 70 through second filter component24 and have entered into the second portion of expiratory limb 72. Aspreviously discussed, filter 38 associated with second filter component24 removes volatile anesthetics from the gases or vapor passing fromfirst portion of expiratory limb 70 to second portion of expiratory limb72. As a result, the concentration of inhaled anesthetics or volatileanesthetics is substantially reduced. As a result, as the gases orvapors pass from second portion of expiratory limb 72 to the anesthesiamachine, the concentration of such inhaled anesthetics have beensubstantially reduced.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, during expiration,the volume of gases may remain fairly continuous from first portion ofexpiratory limb 70, through second filter component 24, into secondportion of expiratory limb 72, and into the anesthesia machine. Theillustration provided by FIGS. 3A and 3B depict schematically themechanism by which the concentration of volatile anesthetics is reducedutilizing a second filter component 24 during the course of anexpiration cycle in a ventilation system.

FIG. 3C depicts the passage of gases during an inspiratory cycle withina ventilation system. In the illustrated embodiment, gases are passingfrom an anesthetic delivery device to a first portion of inspiratorylimb 76. At this stage in the inspiratory cycle, the gases have not yetpassed through first filter component 22. As a result, the relativeconcentration of volatile anesthetics within first portion of theinspiratory limb 76 will be of a measurable concentration. In the eventthat a residual amount of such anesthetic vapors remains in theanesthesia machine, the concentration of such volatile anesthetics maybe higher in first portion of inspiratory limb 76, that is currentlydepicted in FIG. 3C, than was present in second portion of expiratorylimb 72, depicted in FIG. 3B. This is a result of the fact that suchanesthetic residual vapor concentrations can remain in the syntheticmaterials within an anesthesia machine. Examples of different anesthesiamachines can include a ventilator, monitoring system, oxygen deliverycomponent, or other similar mechanisms. Even subsequent to a thoroughflushing of the machine, and in some cases “scrubbing” of the anestheticmachine for several hours, such residual vapors can remain within theanesthetic machine. As a result, such concentrations of anesthetic vaporcan be somewhat higher in first portion of inspiratory limb 76 than werepresent in second portion of expiratory limb 72.

FIG. 3D depicts passage of the gases and vapors from first portion ofinspiratory limb 76 through a first filter component 22 and into thesecond portion of inspiratory limb 78. Filter 28 is adapted to adsorbvolatile anesthetics positioned within the gases that are passing fromfirst portion of inspiratory limb 76 to second portion of inspiratorylimb 78. As a result, the concentration of inhaled anesthetics in secondportion of inspiratory limb 78 will be substantially less than thevolume of gases within first portion of the inspiratory limb 76.

In the illustrated embodiment, the use of a dual filter assembly 20having both a first filter component 22 and a second filter component 24substantially reduces the volume of volatile anesthetics within ananesthesia/ventilation system 10 a than can be provided with a singleanesthesia filter. For example, in the event that the same volume ofvolatile anesthetics would need to be removed by a single filter as thevolume of volatile anesthetics removed by the dual filter assembly ofFIG. 3D, a thicker and more substantial filter would need to beprovided. According to one embodiment of the present invention,anesthetic vapors are adsorbed by charcoal filter material when themolecules of anesthetic gas are trapped in an unoccupied andappropriately sized pore on the surface of a charcoal granule within thefilter. According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention,the anesthetic vapors are removed by an anesthetic filter utilizingabsorption.

In the event that a thicker charcoal bed is utilized in connection witha filter, the greater will be the likelihood that the molecule will betrapped in an available surface pore. If the filter bed does not providesufficient volume, there is a possibility that molecules of anestheticvapor may pass through the filter bed without being captured. Theefficiency of the filter is proportional to the thickness of the bed ofadsorbent material, or charcoal, within the filter. However, the use ofa single thicker and more substantial filter can also increase theresistance to breathing experienced by the patient. As a result, while asingle thick charcoal filter can increase the adsorptive properties ofthe filter, the filter can increase the difficulty of respiration as thepatient breathes through the filter, or in other words, the portion ofthe system in which the filter is positioned.

The dual filter assembly provides improved removal of volatileanesthetic by providing a desired overall filter thickness andcorresponding anesthetic removal volume while also minimizing theresistance to breathing imposed by a single thick filter. In otherwords, as vapor passes from first portion of expiratory limb 70 tosecond portion of expiratory limb 72, the amount of volatile anestheticin the gas or vapor is substantially reduced by second filter component24. As the gas flows from first portion of inspiratory limb 76 to secondportion of inspiratory limb 78, the volume of volatile anesthetic withinthe gas or vapor is further reduced by first filter component 22. As aresult, the concentration of inhaled anesthetic vapor can be reducedfrom as high as 1 percent vapor, or over 10,000 parts per million toless than 5 parts per million. As a result, dual filter assembly 20provides an effective mechanism for not only removing volatileanesthetics from an anesthesia/ventilation system 10 a, but alsoprovides desired gaseous flow and lessened resistance to breathing whilealso ensuring that the gas reintroduced to the patient is substantiallyfree of inhaled vapors that could create or further exacerbate amalignant hyperthermia condition.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a breathing circuit 80 having a dualfilter assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. Inthe illustrated embodiment, breathing circuit 80 comprises a filter 22,a filter 24, an expiratory limb 70 a, an inspiratory limb 78 a and abranch component 19 a. Filter 22 is secured to inspiratory limb 78 a atthe outlet port 32 of filter 22. Filter 24 is secured to expiratory limb38 at the inlet port of 40 filter 24. Expiratory limb 70 a is secured toinspiratory limb 78 a at the distal end of each of expiratory limb 70 aand inspiratory limb 78 a utilizing branch component 19 a. In theillustrated embodiment, the components of breathing circuit 80 areintegrally coupled, bonded or otherwise fixedly secured to one anotherallowing a user to replace a contaminated breathing circuit withbreathing circuit 80 in a simple and efficient manner.

Filter 22 includes an inlet port 30. Inlet port 30 comprises a femaleconnector which can be secured to a male connector port of an anesthesiamachine. Filter 24 includes an outlet port 42. Outlet port 42 comprisesa female connector which can be secured to a male connector port of ananesthesia machine. A connector 60 is also depicted. Connector 60secures filter 22 to filter 24. In this manner, the components ofbreathing circuit 80 are maintained in spatial and functionalrelationship to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, thecomponents of breathing circuit 80 are integrally coupled, bonded orotherwise fixedly secured to one another, as a result, the user cansimply and efficiently replace a contaminated breathing circuit withbreathing circuit 80 in a simple and efficient manner. For example, theuser can remove the contaminated breathing circuit, and simply secureinlet port 30 and outlet port 42 to the corresponding ports on theanesthesia machine. The branched component 19 a can then be connected tothe mask or other breathing apparatus connected to the patient.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of typesand configurations of breathing circuits can be utilized withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Forexample, according to one embodiment of the present invention, one orboth of the filters are removable from the breathing circuit. Accordingto another embodiment of the present invention, the filters areconfigured to attach to tubing or extenders which are attached to theanesthesia machine. According to another embodiment of the presentinvention, the filters are contained within a single housing or areconnected by a rigid connector member. According to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention, a connection is provided to thepatient utilizing a mechanism other than a branched component. Accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, the filters are notconnected to one another utilizing a mechanical connector.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a two-part filter apparatus 100according to one aspect of the present invention. In the illustratedembodiment, two-part filter apparatus 100 is one example of an apparatusfor removing volatile anesthetics from an anesthesia or ventilationsystem. Two-part filter apparatus 100 comprises a housing 101, anexpiratory inlet port 102, an expiratory outlet port 104, an inspiratoryinlet port 106, and an inspiratory outlet port 108. Two-part filterapparatus 100 further comprises a first filter chamber 110, a secondfilter chamber 112, and a boundary septum 113. Boundary septum 113divides the internal volume of two-part filter apparatus 100 into firstfilter chamber 110 and second filter chamber 112.

First filter chamber 110 is in fluid communication with expiratory inletport 102 and expiratory outlet port 104. As a result, as expired gasespass into two-part filter apparatus 100 through expiratory inlet port102, they pass into first filter chamber 110. Then as the gases passfrom two-part filter apparatus 100, they are expelled from first filterchamber 110 and pass out of expiratory outlet port 104. A first filter114 is positioned within filter chamber 110. First filter 114 comprisesa carbon fiber or other known filter which is adapted to adsorb volatileanesthetics which may be present within gases passing through two-partfilter apparatus 100. In the illustrated embodiment, as gas passes intoexpiratory inlet port 102 and out through expiratory outlet port 104,the gases pass through first filter 114 positioned within first filterchamber 110. In this manner, as expired gases leave the patient and passthrough an expiratory limb, volatile anesthetics positioned within thosegases will be removed by first filter 114 positioned in first filterchamber 110.

Second filter chamber 112 is associated with inspiratory inlet port 106and inspiratory outlet port 108. In the illustrated embodiment,inspiratory inlet port 106 is adapted to receive a volume of gas whichis passing from an anesthesia delivery system and into a patient. As aresult, as the gases pass through an inspiratory limb and intoinspiratory inlet port 106, the gases pass through a second filter 116positioned within second filter chamber 112. Additionally, as the gasespass through second filter 116 and out of inspiratory outlet port 108,volatile anesthetics are removed from the gases passing through secondfilter chamber 112.

By providing a two-part filter apparatus 100, the benefits of having afirst filter component and a second filter component are provided withina single self-contained apparatus. Boundary septum 113 maintains a fluidtight seal isolating first filter chamber 110 from second filter chamber112. First filter 114 positioned within first filter chamber 110 caneffectively remove volatile anesthetics from gases passing through anexpiratory channel of an anesthesia/ventilation system. Inspiratorygases passing through an inspiratory channel with ananesthesia/ventilation system 10 can be removed by second filter 116positioned within second filter chamber 112. In the illustratedembodiment, first filter chamber 110 comprises a defined fluid volumewhich is adapted to accommodate not only first filter 114, but also anadditional amount of gaseous volume within the expiratory channel.Similarly, second filter chamber 112 defines a second fluid volume whichcontains not only second filter 116, but also a volume of fluid inaddition to that which is positioned within second filter 116. In thismanner, desired operation of two-part filter apparatus 100 can bemaintained notwithstanding the particular geometries of theanesthesia/ventilation system.

In the illustrated embodiment, one or both of inlet port 102 and inletport 106 comprise a female coupling component. In the embodiment, one orboth of inspiratory outlet port 104 and inspiratory outlet port 108comprise a male component. In this manner, a practitioner can quicklyand easily ascertain the proper coupling of the two-part filterapparatus to an anesthesia/ventilation system 10.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a failsafemechanism is provided in connection with two-part filter apparatus 100.The failsafe mechanism is configured to allow practitioner to readilyidentify when an improper component of anesthesia/ventilation system 10is coupled to one or more of expiratory inlet port 102, expiratoryoutlet port 104, inspiratory inlet port 106 or inspiratory outlet port108. As a result, the practitioner can readily identify and correct theimproper coupling before operation of the anesthesia/ventilation systemis resumed. According to another embodiment of the present invention,the failsafe will not allow improper coupling or operation of the systemto occur.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, two-partfilter apparatus 100 is integrally coupled to the other components ofthe breathing circuit. For example, two-part filter apparatus 100 can beintegrally coupled to primary expiratory limb 120 and primaryinspiratory limb 128. In this manner, in the event that a patientexperiences a malignant hyperthermic condition, the practitioner canreadily remove the existing breathing circuit and replace the existingbreathing circuit with a breathing circuit having an integrated two-partfilter apparatus 100. In this manner, the practitioner can immediatelyprovide filter gas having sufficiently low levels of volatileanesthetics to minimize or prevent further introduction of such volatileanesthetics to a patient. Additionally, the two-part filter apparatus100 will be correctly positioned within the breathing circuit withoutrequiring undue attention to the exact configuration of the two-partfilter apparatus relative to the other components of the system.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of thetypes and configurations of two-part filter apparatus can be utilizedwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, thefirst filter chamber and second filter chamber are separated from oneanother utilizing something other than a boundary septum. According toanother embodiment of the present invention, the geometries,configuration or other aspects of the two-part filter apparatus can bemodified without departing from the scope and spirit of the presentinvention. For example, in one embodiment, the first filter chamber andsecond filter chamber are completely filled with a filter member.According to another embodiment of the present invention, one or both ofthe first filter chambers and second filter chambers are expandable toincrease the fluid volume of the chamber. According to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention, the alignment of the first filterchamber relative to the second filter chamber facilitates practitionerrecognition of correct coupling of the expiratory limb to the two-partfilter apparatus, as well as the inspiratory limb to the two-part filterapparatus.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an anesthesia/ventilation system 10 baccording to one embodiment of the present invention. In the illustratedembodiment, anesthesia/ventilation system 10 b primarily is illustratedto depict aspects of the inspiratory and the expiratory channels of theanesthesia/ventilation system 10 b. In the illustrated embodiment, aprimary expiratory limb 120, secondary expiratory limb 122, primaryinspiratory limb 126, and secondary inspiratory limb 128 are provided.In the embodiment, primary expiratory limb 120 is secured to expiratoryinlet port 102. Secondary expiratory limb 122 is secured to expiratoryoutlet port 104. Primary inspiratory limb 126 is secured to inspiratoryinlet port 106. Secondary inspiratory limb 128 is secured to inspiratoryoutlet port 108. In this manner, during expiration, gases pass fromprimary expiratory limb 120 into first filter chamber 110 to secondaryexpiratory limb 122. From secondary expiratory limb 122, the gases passto an anesthesia machine. In the illustrated embodiment, as gases passfrom the anesthesia delivery system into primary inspiratory limb 126.From primary inspiratory limb 126, the gases pass into second filterchamber 112. As the gases flow through second filter chamber 112, theypass through second filter 116 and out of inspiratory outlet port. Fromthe inspiratory outlet port 108, the gases pass into secondaryinspiratory limb 128 and then can flow to the patient.

FIG. 6A depicts the passage of gas from a patient, such as duringexpiration into primary expiratory limb 120. As the gases pass intoprimary expiratory limb 120, they will tend to have a high concentrationof volatile anesthetics. In the illustrated embodiment, the gases arebeginning to pass not only into primary expiratory limb 120, but alsointo first filter chamber 110.

FIG. 6B is a perspective schematic view illustrating the passage ofgases from first filter chamber into secondary expiratory limb 122. Inthe illustrated embodiment, as the gases pass from primary expiratorylimb into secondary expiratory limb, they pass through first filter 114positioned in first filter chamber 110. As the gases pass through firstfilter 114, volatile anesthetics are removed by first filter 114. As aresult, the concentration of volatile anesthetics in the gases withinsecondary expiratory limb 122 will be substantially lower than theconcentration of volatile anesthetics positioned within primaryexpiratory limb 120.

FIG. 6C illustrates the passage of gases through the inspiratorychannels of anesthesia/ventilation system 10 b. In the illustratedembodiment, gases are positioned in primary inspiratory limb 126. As thegases pass to primary inspiratory limb 126, they may have a slightlyhigher concentration of volatile anesthetics than the gases positionedin secondary expiratory limb 122. This is a result of the residualvapors that may reside within the anesthesia delivery system. As thegases begin to flow from primary inspiratory limb 126, they begin topass into second filter chamber 112.

FIG. 6D illustrates passage of gases as they pass from second filterchamber 112 and into second inspiratory limb 128. As gases pass fromprimary inspiratory limb 126 to secondary inspiratory limb 128, thegases pass through second filter chamber 112 and thus through secondfilter 116. Second filter 116 comprises an anesthetic vapor removalfilter. As a result, the gases positioned in secondary inspiratory limb128 have a substantially reduced concentration of anesthetic whencompared to the gases positioned within primary inspiratory limb 126.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the particularchannels of flow and the particular connections of the two-part filterapparatus 100 with an anesthesia/ventilation system can vary withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Forexample, according to one embodiment of the present invention, thetwo-part filter apparatus is adapted to connect to different portions ofthe anesthesia/ventilation system other than the inspiratory andexpiratory limbs. According to another embodiment of the presentinvention, the inspiratory ports of the two-part filter apparatus areassociated with tubes which connect to the inspiratory limbs while theexpiratory ports do not have tubes allowing the practitioner to easilydistinguish between inspiratory and expiratory channels of the two-partfilter apparatus. According to another embodiment of the presentinvention, the angles and alignment of the first filter component of thetwo-part filter apparatus and the second filter component of thetwo-part filter apparatus are modified to allow easy distinguishing anddetection of the different components.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a breathing circuit 80 a having a two-partfilter apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.In the illustrated embodiment, two part filter apparatus 100 isintegrally coupled to the inspiratory and expiratory limbs of thebreathing circuit. In other words, expiratory inlet port 102 a iscoupled to primary expiratory limb 120. Expiratory outlet port 104 a isintegrally coupled to secondary expiratory limb 122. Inspiratory inletport 106 a is integrally coupled to primary inspiratory limb 126.Inspiratory outlet port 108 a is integrally coupled to secondaryinspiratory limb 128.

Female connectors 129 a, b are provided in connection with breathingcircuit 80 a. Female connector 129 a is connected to the proximal end ofsecondary expiratory limb 122. Female connector 129 b is connected tothe proximal end of primary inspiratory limb 126. The use of femaleconnectors 129 a, b allows breathing circuit to be quickly and simplyconnected to male connectors provided on an anesthesia machine.Additionally, the integral coupling of two part filter apparatus withthe inspiratory and expiratory limbs provides an integrated breathingcircuit 80 a which can be quickly deployed and connected to ananesthesia machine in a preoperative or intra-operative setting.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of typesand configurations of breathing circuits can be provided withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Forexample, according to one embodiment of the present invention, aconnector is provided between the female connectors to space theconnectors for ready securement to an anesthesia machine. According toanother embodiment of the present invention, the filter includes femaleconnectors such that the two part filter apparatus can be directlysecured to the anesthesia machine. According to yet another embodimentof the present invention, one or more of the inlet and outlet ports ofthe two-part filter apparatus are removable from the associated tubing.According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the twopart filter apparatus has a housing in which the filter chambers areseparated by the profile of the housing rather than by a boundaryseptum.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of utilizing an apparatusfor removing both the anesthetics from an anesthesia/ventilation systemaccording to one embodiment of the present invention. In the illustratedembodiment, the method starts by administering anesthesia to a patientin a step 130. Once anesthesia has been administered to a patient in astep 130, a practitioner detects a potential hypothermic response to theanesthesia event in a step 132. The practitioner then turns off theanesthetic vaporizer in a step 134 to eliminate the introduction of newanesthetic vapors into the anesthesia/ventilation system. Once theanesthetic vaporizer has been turned off, the practitioner places afirst filter component on an inspiratory limb of the anesthesia orventilation system and a second filter component on the expiratory limbin a step 136. The practitioner then replaces the anesthesia breathingcircuit with a non-contaminated breathing circuit in a step 138. Oncethe anesthesia breathing circuit has been replaced with anon-contaminated breathing circuit, then the practitioner can inspectthe system to ensure that the hoses of the breathing circuit areproperly connected to the filters, rather than being connected to theanesthesia machine in a step 140. The practitioner then increasespatient ventilation utilizing the anesthesia/ventilation system in step142. Increasing the ventilation can be effectuated by increasing thevolume and rate of breaths given by the mechanical ventilator that isintegrated into the anesthesia machine. Once the patient ventilation isincreased, the practitioner can analyze and monitor levels of inhaledanesthetic within the system in a step 144. Subsequently, thepractitioner can monitor patient response to the removal of the inhaledanesthetic and provide treatment to potential malignant hypothermicreactions in a step 146.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a method forreducing or eliminating volatile anesthetics from ananesthesia/ventilation system as depicted in FIG. 8 can be modifiedwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention,placement of the two-part filter apparatus occurs in two stepssubsequent to detection of a malignant hypothermic event with the firstfilter being secured to the inspiratory limb of the breathing circuit.According to another embodiment of the present invention, multiple stepsoccur simultaneously, such as turning off the anesthetic vapor,increasing fresh gas flow and flushing the circuit and finally placementof a filter apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of removing volatileanesthetics from an anesthesia/ventilation system according to oneembodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, ananesthesia vaporizing component is operatively disconnected from ananesthesia system in a step 150. Once the anesthesia vaporizingcomponent has been disconnected from the anesthesia system, ananesthesia filter, such as the two-part filter apparatus of FIG. 5, isconnected to the anesthesia system with a first filter component beingplaced on the inspiratory limb and a second anesthesia filter is placedon the expiratory limb of the anesthesia machine in a step 152. Once thefirst filter and second filter have been connected to the anesthesiamachine, the breathing circuit hoses are replaced with non-contaminatedhoses in a step 154. The patient is then delivered a standardintravenous anesthetic in a step 154 and the anesthesia machine can beutilized for facilitating respiration of the malignant hyperthermiasusceptible patient during the procedure in a step 156. In theillustrated embodiment, the method of FIG. 9 is adapted for usepreoperatively or postoperatively to flush anesthetic from a ventilationof anesthetic system in order to minimize the potential that residualanesthetic could inadvertently be introduced into a patient who has apropensity toward malignant hyperthermia.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the use of anapparatus for removing volatile anesthetics from ananesthesia/ventilation system according to the present invention can beutilized with different methods and different order of steps withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Forexample, in one embodiment, a two-part filter apparatus is connected tothe ventilation system after scrubbing and flushing of the system toremove the system of volatile anesthetics, but before connection to apatient. In another embodiment, an apparatus such as a two-part filteris connected at the beginning of the scrubbing and flushing of theanesthesia system and before other aspects of the procedure arepreformed. In another embodiment, no scrubbing or flushing of the systemis necessary after the filters have been installed and the breathingcircuit has been replaced. As a result, the machine can be utilized in astandard patient operation once the filters have been properly placed.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. An apparatus for removing volatile anesthetics from the gases apatient breaths in connection with an anesthesia or ventilation systemto minimize the effects of malignant hyperthermia in a susceptiblepatient, the apparatus for removing volatile anesthetics comprising: afirst anesthetic removing filter component having an inlet port and anoutlet port, the inlet port and outlet port adapted to place the firstfilter component in fluid communication with an anesthesia orventilation system such that gases passing through the anesthesia orventilation system pass through the first filter component; a secondanesthetic removing filter component operably coupled to the firstfilter component and having an inlet port and an outlet port, the inletport and outlet port adapted to place the second filter component influid communication with an anesthesia or ventilation system such thatgases passing through the anesthesia or ventilation system pass throughthe first filter component and the second filter component; wherein oneof the first filter component and second filter component is placed onan inspiratory limb of the anesthesia or ventilation system such thatgases being delivered to the patient pass through one of the firstfilter component or second filter component before they are delivered tothe patient and wherein the other of the first filter component andsecond filter component is placed on the expiratory limb of theanesthesia or ventilation system such that gases being expelled from thepatient pass through the other of the first filter component and thesecond filter component before returning to the anesthesia orventilation system.
 2. The apparatus for removing volatile anestheticsof claim 1, wherein at least one of the first anesthetic removing filtercomponent and the second anesthetic removing filter component comprisesan in-line filter which is placed on one of the inspiratory andexpiratory limbs of the anesthesia or ventilation system.
 3. Theapparatus for removing volatile anesthetics of claim 2, wherein thefirst anesthetic removing filter component comprises an in-line filterplaced on the inspiratory limb of a breathing circuit of the anesthesiaor ventilation system.
 4. The apparatus for removing volatileanesthetics of claim 3, wherein the second anesthetic removing filtercomponent comprises an in-line filter placed on the expiratory limb of abreathing circuit of the anesthesia or ventilation system.
 5. Theapparatus for removing volatile anesthetics of claim 1, wherein thefirst anesthetic removing filter component is secured to the secondanesthetic removing filter component utilizing a mechanical coupling. 6.The apparatus for removing volatile anesthetics of claim 5, wherein thefirst anesthetic removing filter component is secured to the secondanesthetic removing filter component utilizing a flexible couplingmechanism.
 7. The apparatus for removing volatile anesthetics of claim5, wherein the first anesthetic removing filter component is secured tothe second anesthetic removing filter component utilizing a connectorstrap secured to a housing of the first anesthetic removing filtercomponent and a housing of the second anesthetic removing filtercomponent.
 8. The apparatus for removing volatile anesthetics of claim1, wherein the first anesthetic removing filter component and the secondanesthetic removing filter component are contained within a singlehousing.
 9. The apparatus for removing volatile anesthetics of claim 1,wherein the first anesthetic removing filter component and the secondanesthetic removing filter component are contained within a separatehousings.
 10. A breathing circuit for use with an anesthesia machine,the breathing circuit adapted to remove volatile anesthetics from theanesthesia machine to minimize the effects of malignant hyperthermia insusceptible patients, the breathing circuit comprising: an expiratorylimb adapted to receive gases expelled from a patient such that thegases can be returned to the anesthesia machine; an inspiratory limbadapted to receive gases from the anesthesia machine and deliver gasesto the patient to be inspired by the patient; a first anestheticremoving filter component for placement in fluid communication with theexpiratory limb such that gases passing through the expiratory limb passthrough the first anesthetic removing filter component, the firstanesthetic removing filter component being adapted to remove volatileanesthetics positioned in the gases passing through the expiratory limb;and a second anesthetic removing filter component for placement in fluidcommunication with the inspiratory limb such that gases passing throughthe inspiratory limb pass through the second anesthetic removing filtercomponent, the second anesthetic removing filter component being adaptedto remove volatile anesthetic positioned in the gases passing throughthe inspiratory limb.
 11. The breathing circuit of claim 10, wherein thefirst anesthetic removing filter is positioned at one end of theexpiratory limb.
 12. The breathing circuit of claim 11, wherein thesecond anesthetic removing filter is positioned at one end of theinspiratory limb.
 13. The breathing circuit of claim 12, wherein thefirst anesthetic removing filter component and the second anestheticremoving filter component are adapted to be coupled directly to theanesthesia machine.
 14. The breathing circuit of claim 10, wherein oneor both of the first anesthetic removing filter component and the secondanesthetic removing filter component are integrally coupled to one orboth of the expiratory limb and the inspiratory limb.
 15. The breathingcircuit of claim 14, wherein the expiratory limb and the inspiratorylimb are coupled to one another at their distal end such that acontaminated breathing circuit can be replaced during the course of ananesthesia procedure and replaced with the breathing circuit havingfirst anesthetic removing filter component and the second anestheticremoving filter component integrated therewith.
 16. The breathingcircuit of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first anestheticremoving filter component and the second anesthetic removing filtercomponent are selectively removable from the breathing circuit.
 17. Anapparatus for removing volatile anesthetics from an anesthesia orventilation system to minimize the effects of malignant hyperthermia ina susceptible patient, the apparatus for removing volatile anestheticscomprising: a housing; a first filter chamber positioned within thehousing and being in fluid communication with the gases of theexpiratory limb; a second filter chamber positioned within the housingand being in fluid communication with the gases of the inspiratory limb;a first inlet port and a first outlet port in fluid communication withthe first filter chamber; a second inlet port and outlet port in fluidcommunication with the second filter chamber; a first anestheticremoving filter component for placement in the first filter chamber suchthat gases passing from the first inlet port to the first outlet portpass through the first anesthetic removing filter component removingvolatile anesthetic contained in the gases of the expiratory limb; and asecond anesthetic removing filter for placement in the second filterchamber such that gases passing from the second inlet port to the secondoutlet port pass through the second anesthetic removing filter componentremoving volatile anesthetic contained within the gases of theinspiratory limb.
 18. The apparatus for removing volatile anesthetics ofclaim 17, wherein the first filter chamber is separated from the secondfilter chamber such that gases passing through the first filter chamberdo not intermingle with gases positioned in the second filter chamber.19. The apparatus for removing volatile anesthetics of claim 18, whereinthe first filter chamber is separated from the second filter chamberutilizing a boundary septum.
 20. The apparatus for removing volatileanesthetics of claim 17, wherein the first inlet port and the firstoutlet port are positioned in fluid communication with an expiratorylimb of the anesthesia or ventilation system.
 21. The apparatus forremoving volatile anesthetics of claim 17, wherein the second inlet portand the second outlet port are positioned in fluid communication with aninspiratory limb of the anesthesia or ventilation system.
 22. Theapparatus for removing volatile anesthetics of claim 17, wherein theapparatus is positioned within a breathing circuit of the anesthesia orventilation system.
 23. The apparatus for removing volatile anestheticsof claim 17, wherein the apparatus is positioned within an anesthesia orventilation machine of the anesthesia or ventilation system.